Los Angeles punter wins one million in horseshoe-pitching contest

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — A Los Angeles punter became California's newest millionaire in a horseshoe pitching contest Saturday then celebrated by buying drinks for every person at the Santa Anita race track that witnessed the event.

John Placzankis, who said he hadn't tossed a horeshoe in 30 years, beat out four others for the one-million dollar prize by pitching a perfect ringer in his only try, the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspaper reported on Sunday.

In a trackside interview immediately following his windfall, the 41-year-old Placzankis told the crowd of 15,660 that "the drinks are on me."

Placzankis was one of five horse racing fans who had their names drawn as finalists. He said he tried to loosen up ahead of time by knocking back two beers.

"I...